Dumisile Nala

Cartoon Network Africa Launches Anti Bullying Campaign

South African sprinter Wayde van Niekerk has teamed up with Cartoon Network Africa and ChildLine to launch their anti-bullying campaign, CN Buddy Network, in South Africa. The initiative launched in Africa on Saturday 7th May 2016, encourages children and young people to “be a buddy, not a bully”, and aims to educate the children of South Africa to take action against bullying.

Cartoon Network, the most popular children’s TV channel in South Africa, will be collaborating with ChildLine, an organisation that works to protect children from all forms of violence and to support children’s rights in South Africa.

Childline is the leading helpline for children and young people in South Africa and provides immediate advice and support for children who are experiencing any form of bullying and violence. As part of the campaign, there will be videos to provide kids tips and advice, which will be available in four different languages, Sotho, Zulu, English and Afrikaans.

Wayde van Niekerk is currently appearing in an on-air campaign on Cartoon Network on DStv, channel 301, which will also includes an original series of animated shorts addressing the viewpoints of the bully, the bullied and the observer.

Cartoon Network Africa (with Childline’s help) has also launched a website that offers professional anti-bullying advice, relevant tips through videos and support tools online at http://beabuddy.cartoonnetworkhq.com.

Wayde van Niekerk made this statement regarding Cartoon Network Buddy Network and his role as an anti-bullying ambassador:

“I jumped at the chance to work with Cartoon Network and ChildLine on this as I know only too well what it feels like to be bullied. What I love about this initiative is that we are teaching children to be a buddy and not a bully. Bullying is never acceptable and there is nothing shameful about asking for help – speaking up is the first step in making things better.”

ChildLine South Africa National Executive Officer Dumisile Nala says:

“Bullying remains a top concern in South Africa among children in schools and it is estimated that 35% of all children have experienced some form of bullying. The difference is that nowadays it can follow children wherever they are. It’s not just in the playgrounds or on the way to and from school. It’s in their pockets – it follows them on their phones, on social networks as well as face to face and the 24-hour nature of it can be relentless. For some children it seems like there’s no escape which can cause anxiety and distress. It is so important that we, as adults, take time to listen to our children and help support them through bullying issues.”

Pierre Branco, VP and Managing Director of Turner Africa says:

“Cartoon Network Africa feels very strongly about the fact that most of our audience are affected by bullying every single day, whether in person or online. We were willing to associate the positive values of Cartoon Network to this great cause and raise awareness amongst kids through our animated creative shorts dubbed with South African kids and the great local partners who are relaying the message in the country. We are delighted to partner with both Wayde van Niekerk and ChildLine in South Africa to tackle this very real issue. As Cartoon Network we would like to show our viewers that we would like to help in any way we can to teach our viewers that there is help and support out there. This initiative is about addressing the issue, encouraging kids to talk about their experiences, be a good friend and offer support to others.”